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Location notes

Lancashire (or Technically just into Greater Manchester)Irwell Vale is between Rawtenstall (the northern most point of the ELR) and Ramsbottom (the mid point on the ELR) trains take about 5 minutes to reach there from Rawtenstall (Southbound) or Ramsbottom (Northbound).

Railway type and traffic

The East Lancashire Railway is a Heritage line. Most traffic is confined to Saturday and Sunday although the line does operate a summer timetable which includes running on some weekdays. For timetable and special events details look at the ELR Website.

Environment

Irwell Vale is a picturesque village with a Station (or halt to be specific). The enhabitants are used to Railway enthusiasts with cameras and suchlike but should also be treated with respect - it’s a quiet village so no tearing through there at breakneck speed to catch a minus 2 connection!

Road directions

Route OneFrom Bury take the M66 Northbound (signposted Burnley/Blackburn). Carry on northbound for about 7 miles taking your second exit signposted Haslingden/Accrington – this is still a dual carriageway immediately take first exit again probably less that ¼ mile. You will come off at a roundabout with The Woolpack pub to your left, take first exit left (signposted Edenfield). Follow the road down for about ¾ of a mile (you will see the motorway you’ve just come off to your left) and at the bottom of the hill (*Sharp Bend*) turn right which is almost straight on in effect. (then see Local Route below).If you end up in Rawtenstall by mistake follow Route Two

Route TwoFrom Rawtenstall station car park, exit next to the station building and turn right (onto Bury Road). Follow the road up for around 3 miles, on your way you will pass The Railway pub (right hand side), The Whitchaff Inn (right hand side) then into a 60mph Zone passing Horncliffe Mansion on your left. As you enter Edenfield the speed limit drops back to 40mph. At the traffic lights turn sharp right, almost back on yourself (Signposted Blackburn/Haslingden). Follow the road down for about a mile, at the bottom of the hill you will go over the railway and road flattens, after about 100 yards take a sharp left (not straight on left!!) then see Local Route below.

Local RouteCarry on for another ½ mile or so (If you’re on the right road you will see the Sewage treatment plant to your left). You will enter Irwell Vale over a small bridge, turn directly left, passing the phonebox and crossing the river. As you bear right the station is on your left hand side - the carpark entrance being right next to the crossing gates.

NB Irwell Vale is effectively a Cul-de-Sac if you are in a car. The only way out is the way you have come

Irwell Vale station has a small carpark (will take about 12 cars) - this is a very popular location in good weather so you might not always get on the carpark - additional parking is limited but I’ve never been there and not been able to park. It isn’t advised to take your car across the tracks as this is private residents parking only and you’ll soon see that there’s not much room anyway.

There is a tea room in the village open on Summer weekends but I’m not sure where it is (it may well be in the church which hosts the Irwell Vale Photographers’ slideshows). No other shops or amenities so take some supplies with you!

Sun Compass

Sun Compass using Suncalc by brought to you by Vladimir Agafonkin:It might be necessary to adjust the time to suit your visit, this link should open with the current day.
ELR, Irwell Vale Station

This is a great location for Photography and Videoing alike. The light can be good throughout the day but tends to be better in the early morning for Northbound (to Rawtenstall) trains and in the afternoon for Southbound (to Bury) trains – That said I’ve taken photos there at all times of day. As a rule morning photography is best from the opposite side from the platform (The ‘paddock’ being a good vantage point) and vice versa in the afternoon.

Trackside photographs of Southbound (To Bury) trains are good from the trackside at the South (Bury) end of the station. See Irwell Vale South location and remember - if you’re going to go trackside wear high visibility clothing, keep your wits about you and acknowledge the train.

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